You speak out a thanks, but are uncertain if the servant heard you. Dinners such as these are something you are very familiar with, though it has been awhile since you attended one without some manner of family member at your side. You had considered inviting Reggie, but, you are someone of a realist...that and you really like staying here when in town. Besides, he'd likely end up spilling hot soup all over one of the Pontifexes and causing an international incident. Again.
Wearing your finest garb, you traverse the balcony that looks down to the grand entryway of the Guild Hall. It runs along the front of the main structure, with the ceremonial doors in the center, open tonight to allow in guests (on normal days a more human-scale door is used, down towards the north end of the front wall). This is the only level of the Hall that has a vertical wall; the upper three floors are impacted by the sweeping shape of the building. You're fairly certain magik must be involved in holding the building upright, as though the shape is reminiscent of a wave of water or gust of wind, it seems that either of these natural phenomenon could easily topple the building.
A butler meets you partway down the stairs, and offers you an arm. Thank goodness for all those classes back home in Karandia. Auntie would simply die of embarrassment if you failed to uphold the Geoffrey name. At the entryway to the Hall, your escort announces you to the room.
"The Lady Antillia Geoffrey of the Mage Council of Karandia."
Your training holds true, as you wear the assured look of a Karandian mage, and sure enough this title brings you much attention from around the room. But, everyone here is someone, so the party only stutters for a second, and then you are just one among many. Circulating the room, there are many that you know of, a few that you know [please feel free to create some of these people]. Just below the dias on which sits the head table, the two Dominians, resplendant in their finest colors, hold court with many surrounding them. At the moment, the Primus is telling a tale of fighting a tribe of beastmen on an island somewhere. For this magik crowd, a tale of sweat and swords is captivating. The Pontifex, nearby, seems detached from the proceedings, though he wears a very carefully constructed smile.
Clad in blue and burgundy, with accents of fine silver, the blonde wears her sweet half-smile as she makes the introductory circle of the room. “Magister Alton, how IS everything in Reslowe? A pleasure to see you visiting Kessid as well! We simply MUST catch up, my auntie would be quite sore if she didn’t get to hear what your students have been doing as of late! Oh, her research is going well, thank you. I’ll relay your regards!”
“Oh Professor N’iand, I’d be happy to lecture on the nature of the soul’s collective ‘memory’ in relation to magik and alteration spells. Just let me know when!”
Tilly is charming and sweet to everyone, smiling as she greets those she knows and nodding politely to those she doesn’t. The Dominians telling stories catch her attention as she draws near and she joins the ‘adoring’ crowd. Sweat and swords she was accustomed to by this point so the beastmen fighting adventure holds no sway over her. Standing apart, she goes to join the Pontixfex.
“Good evening, sir. You don’t seem quite so enthralled as the audience. Have you heard this story before?”
Though the man seemed distracted, and hardly aware of your presence, the moment you address him his focus quickly orients to you, and you alone. The intensity at which he seems able to close out the world and just see you is palpable. If Tilly were such a woman, it might be, well, attractive.
"Good evening, Lady Geoffrey of Karandia. I am Pontifex Memmius of Dominia." he says in a deep baritone, formal yet not rote. "It is true, I have heard him tell this tale on occasion, and in fact, was there at the time of its making. As during all of my trips to Kessid, I am enjoying the variety of guests attending this supper. Tell me if you may, what brings a Council Member this far to the south?"
As he speaks, and mentions the crowd, you broaden your attention as well, and are struck by the sea breeze and late afternoon glow entering the clerestory windows of the hall, which are open to the city air. The room is nearing full, with forty or more people mingling. Servants are now moving about the room, offering a sweet red wine or iced water (a rare magik delicacy in these southern lands). There is still perhaps ten minutes before the chimes will announce the meal in the adjoining room.
"Pontifex," Tilly echoes politely as she bows her head in formal acknowledgment. "Most men would take the advantage to speak of their own prowess in such an adventure. It seems as if that was just another task for you. I can assure you though; most mages seem to look down on those who make their way through life with sword and shield." She pauses a beat before adding, "I'm not one of those."
"I'm in Kessid on religious business." She tries to recall what she knows about Dominian religion . Something about their leader being a god. "I volunteer at a mission which provides medical treatment for those most sick in Hyrem-Chel and also do charitable works here. Unlike most of the guests here, my magik comes from life itself - not sheer will or ancient learning."
Antillia frowns before asking, "And if I may ask, what brings a distinguished guest as yourself so far over the sea?"
"The sword and the wand belong together. Like most things in the world, strength comes from flexibility. Forgive me, I am cribbing from my lectures at the university." He pauses, to take a sip of his wine, with a very slight tip to you as he raises the glass.
"Kessid has become our favored continental port; we stop here after the week-long transit from our home. Our next port is to the east, though the specifics of the journey I apologize I cannot say. We very much enjoy Kessid, and the hospitality we are shown. Both Dominia and Kessid are enriched by the friendship." He expertly navigates through this moment of social rudeness but political reality.
"I applaud those who seek to aid others, no matter the source of their inspiration. The land you speak of, Hyrem-Chel, are there many there in need?"
Tilly can pick up on the faint note of displeasure in his voice. She's used to it. The 'Oh, your magik comes from where?' she's grown up with. Being a powerful restorative mage and sitting on the Council will quickly get one used to it. She just continues to wear her society smile as if she didn't observe it.
"It's a swampland and a leper colony, in proximity to a very dangerous war zone." She frowns pointedly at the comment. "Refugees are traveling through and getting sick. We have Harborages there but they're far and few between. We've been thinking about creating more supply centers in Kura'stan - also a port to the east - as a more local base of supply."
"A noble calling indeed to minister to those in need. I drink to your better nature." He raises his glass, with a flair, which is a large enough gesture to draw attention from many around you in the crowd. "Does your land of Karandia support this endeavor, and contribute to its success?", he inquires, in a slightly larger voice, allowing the new members of your conversation to hear him.
Antillia blushes a little as he draws the attention towards them. "This is more of an effort of my faith than my nation, although the Church does have its' roots there. I do this not as a member of the Council or as a Karandian but as one who can help relieve suffering. If I were to keep that to myself... I'd be horribly selfish and undeserving of the gifts I have." Her eyes drop demurely as she speaks, her voice soft. "We don't do it for trade or benefit or glory - which always has made me wonder why Dominia has taken such an interest in Kessid. What does this city hold for you? Access to the goods of the continent?"
The Pontifex stands quietly for a minute, looking at Tilly. His face is inscrutable, and his body language shows him to be perfectly at-ease. Finally, he answers, "Lady Geoffrey, I must confess that for me, Kessid is a worldly pleasure. This city is one of the great places in the realms. Here we, regardless of our dress, our heritage or our faiths, can quaff an elven wine in a Nost'Karean tavern and later see a hobbit perform the role of a king on a stage the size of a cart. Here there are the best of ideals (with a half-bow towards Tilly) rubbing up against the basest of human greed. The powerful live here, but the quick and the daring run this City. There are few places quite like this one. That is why _I_ come here.
"As you know, years back the leader of this land required assistance with some matters best left undiscussed at a party such as this, and Dominia was a trustworthy and useful ally. Since that day the ties that bind this land, and city, and my homeland have grown strong. We benefit from trade, from the sharing of ideas, and the mutual respect we share. In the eyes of many we are both stronger for it.
"To that end, and because I see the porter with the dinner bell about to draw our conversation to an end, I invite you to Dominia. If you accept you can travel with us on the morning tide, and on to our eastern adventure, where I will personally vouch for your safety. Once complete, you can come with us to our island home, and see first-hand the wealth of culture, wisdom, and history that is ours to share. So, what say you, will you accept this invitation to accompany me?" The gathered crowd is quite engaged by his passionate description of their home, and wait with vicariously baited breath for Tilly's response.
In surprise, Antillia's hand touches to her lips. "Oh, that's a wonderful offer. And were I not so involved in my work here, I would be sorely tempted to accept, Pontifex. I am deeply honored and I would LOVE to take you up on that some other time. If the offer should still stand once my work here in Kessid is done." She bows her head deeply to show that she IS truly honored by his request. "I could not abandon my work with the poor and suffering, there's still much good to accomplish."
Her green eyes sparkle as she looks up. "But you've given me the best assessment of Kessid I've ever heard. And perhaps hit on why someone like me *also* would come here."
Mentally Tilly adds, "Oh my, Reggie would be beside himself if I went to Dominia!"
The Pontifex, also clearly enjoying this conversational game, responds, "I feared that would be your answer, and despite my sadness that you will not accompany me, I respect you all the more for your commitment. Let me give you something..." He reaches into a fold of his robes, and brings out a small silver coin, stamped on both sides, and with a hole in its center.
"This is a coin of my realm, and of a mint that belongs to my family. Do you see this symbol here, below the eagle's talons?" leaning over towards you. Once you acknowledge him, he moves back away from you, and clasps the coin tightly between his palms, and begins to speak softly in another tongue. It is a strange language, but pleasing. His hands glow orange, briefly, which then fades.
"Take this, Lady Antilla Geoffrey of Karandia. With this coin in-hand, you may ask anyone wearing Dominian colors to protect you and bring you to me, and they will do their best to comply." The dinner bell rings gently in the hallway. "I expect to return to Kessid for the Darkest Day Feast, unless I am otherwise detained. If you are able, meet me here at the Guild and I will ask again if you wish to visit my home."
"I shall look forward to that day then, Pontifex Memmius of Dominia," the blonde replies formally as she bows deeply from the waist. "Would you do me the small honor of escorting me to the dinner table, until then?" She smiles her bright smile as she tucks the coin safely away into her belt purse.
"Why of course I shall." offering his arm. In a very quite voice, only for you, "I am afraid, however, that I am seated at the head table and would create quite a stir if I asked the Grand Wizard's wife to vacate her seat for what would certainly be better company. I apologize, but sometimes my rank is as much a locked door as it is a key."
Oh yes, she nods sympathetically in agreement. She's been THERE before too. "I would never dream of that, sir. Especially since we're both guests. It's been a pleasure to chat with you. And I look forward to seeing the beauty of Dominia for myself someday."
As she is escorted to her own chair, respectfully housed as guest in her own right but not as high on the table as his, Tilly makes a formal curtsey before seating herself. What an interesting day! And so much more fun than formal dinners at home with Auntie. Much more fun.
[Knock on the door, then...]
"Dinner will be served in twenty minutes, miss."
You speak out a thanks, but are uncertain if the servant heard you. Dinners such as these are something you are very familiar with, though it has been awhile since you attended one without some manner of family member at your side. You had considered inviting Reggie, but, you are someone of a realist...that and you really like staying here when in town. Besides, he'd likely end up spilling hot soup all over one of the Pontifexes and causing an international incident. Again.
Wearing your finest garb, you traverse the balcony that looks down to the grand entryway of the Guild Hall. It runs along the front of the main structure, with the ceremonial doors in the center, open tonight to allow in guests (on normal days a more human-scale door is used, down towards the north end of the front wall). This is the only level of the Hall that has a vertical wall; the upper three floors are impacted by the sweeping shape of the building. You're fairly certain magik must be involved in holding the building upright, as though the shape is reminiscent of a wave of water or gust of wind, it seems that either of these natural phenomenon could easily topple the building.
A butler meets you partway down the stairs, and offers you an arm. Thank goodness for all those classes back home in Karandia. Auntie would simply die of embarrassment if you failed to uphold the Geoffrey name. At the entryway to the Hall, your escort announces you to the room.
"The Lady Antillia Geoffrey of the Mage Council of Karandia."
Your training holds true, as you wear the assured look of a Karandian mage, and sure enough this title brings you much attention from around the room. But, everyone here is someone, so the party only stutters for a second, and then you are just one among many. Circulating the room, there are many that you know of, a few that you know [please feel free to create some of these people]. Just below the dias on which sits the head table, the two Dominians, resplendant in their finest colors, hold court with many surrounding them. At the moment, the Primus is telling a tale of fighting a tribe of beastmen on an island somewhere. For this magik crowd, a tale of sweat and swords is captivating. The Pontifex, nearby, seems detached from the proceedings, though he wears a very carefully constructed smile.
Clad in blue and burgundy, with accents of fine silver, the blonde wears her sweet half-smile as she makes the introductory circle of the room. “Magister Alton, how IS everything in Reslowe? A pleasure to see you visiting Kessid as well! We simply MUST catch up, my auntie would be quite sore if she didn’t get to hear what your students have been doing as of late! Oh, her research is going well, thank you. I’ll relay your regards!”
“Oh Professor N’iand, I’d be happy to lecture on the nature of the soul’s collective ‘memory’ in relation to magik and alteration spells. Just let me know when!”
Tilly is charming and sweet to everyone, smiling as she greets those she knows and nodding politely to those she doesn’t. The Dominians telling stories catch her attention as she draws near and she joins the ‘adoring’ crowd. Sweat and swords she was accustomed to by this point so the beastmen fighting adventure holds no sway over her. Standing apart, she goes to join the Pontixfex.
“Good evening, sir. You don’t seem quite so enthralled as the audience. Have you heard this story before?”
Though the man seemed distracted, and hardly aware of your presence, the moment you address him his focus quickly orients to you, and you alone. The intensity at which he seems able to close out the world and just see you is palpable. If Tilly were such a woman, it might be, well, attractive.
"Good evening, Lady Geoffrey of Karandia. I am Pontifex Memmius of Dominia." he says in a deep baritone, formal yet not rote. "It is true, I have heard him tell this tale on occasion, and in fact, was there at the time of its making. As during all of my trips to Kessid, I am enjoying the variety of guests attending this supper. Tell me if you may, what brings a Council Member this far to the south?"
As he speaks, and mentions the crowd, you broaden your attention as well, and are struck by the sea breeze and late afternoon glow entering the clerestory windows of the hall, which are open to the city air. The room is nearing full, with forty or more people mingling. Servants are now moving about the room, offering a sweet red wine or iced water (a rare magik delicacy in these southern lands). There is still perhaps ten minutes before the chimes will announce the meal in the adjoining room.
"Pontifex," Tilly echoes politely as she bows her head in formal acknowledgment. "Most men would take the advantage to speak of their own prowess in such an adventure. It seems as if that was just another task for you. I can assure you though; most mages seem to look down on those who make their way through life with sword and shield." She pauses a beat before adding, "I'm not one of those."
"I'm in Kessid on religious business." She tries to recall what she knows about Dominian religion . Something about their leader being a god. "I volunteer at a mission which provides medical treatment for those most sick in Hyrem-Chel and also do charitable works here. Unlike most of the guests here, my magik comes from life itself - not sheer will or ancient learning."
Antillia frowns before asking, "And if I may ask, what brings a distinguished guest as yourself so far over the sea?"
"The sword and the wand belong together. Like most things in the world, strength comes from flexibility. Forgive me, I am cribbing from my lectures at the university." He pauses, to take a sip of his wine, with a very slight tip to you as he raises the glass.
"Kessid has become our favored continental port; we stop here after the week-long transit from our home. Our next port is to the east, though the specifics of the journey I apologize I cannot say. We very much enjoy Kessid, and the hospitality we are shown. Both Dominia and Kessid are enriched by the friendship." He expertly navigates through this moment of social rudeness but political reality.
"I applaud those who seek to aid others, no matter the source of their inspiration. The land you speak of, Hyrem-Chel, are there many there in need?"
Tilly can pick up on the faint note of displeasure in his voice. She's used to it. The 'Oh, your magik comes from where?' she's grown up with. Being a powerful restorative mage and sitting on the Council will quickly get one used to it. She just continues to wear her society smile as if she didn't observe it.
"It's a swampland and a leper colony, in proximity to a very dangerous war zone." She frowns pointedly at the comment. "Refugees are traveling through and getting sick. We have Harborages there but they're far and few between. We've been thinking about creating more supply centers in Kura'stan - also a port to the east - as a more local base of supply."
"A noble calling indeed to minister to those in need. I drink to your better nature." He raises his glass, with a flair, which is a large enough gesture to draw attention from many around you in the crowd. "Does your land of Karandia support this endeavor, and contribute to its success?", he inquires, in a slightly larger voice, allowing the new members of your conversation to hear him.
Antillia blushes a little as he draws the attention towards them. "This is more of an effort of my faith than my nation, although the Church does have its' roots there. I do this not as a member of the Council or as a Karandian but as one who can help relieve suffering. If I were to keep that to myself... I'd be horribly selfish and undeserving of the gifts I have." Her eyes drop demurely as she speaks, her voice soft. "We don't do it for trade or benefit or glory - which always has made me wonder why Dominia has taken such an interest in Kessid. What does this city hold for you? Access to the goods of the continent?"
The Pontifex stands quietly for a minute, looking at Tilly. His face is inscrutable, and his body language shows him to be perfectly at-ease. Finally, he answers, "Lady Geoffrey, I must confess that for me, Kessid is a worldly pleasure. This city is one of the great places in the realms. Here we, regardless of our dress, our heritage or our faiths, can quaff an elven wine in a Nost'Karean tavern and later see a hobbit perform the role of a king on a stage the size of a cart. Here there are the best of ideals (with a half-bow towards Tilly) rubbing up against the basest of human greed. The powerful live here, but the quick and the daring run this City. There are few places quite like this one. That is why _I_ come here.
"As you know, years back the leader of this land required assistance with some matters best left undiscussed at a party such as this, and Dominia was a trustworthy and useful ally. Since that day the ties that bind this land, and city, and my homeland have grown strong. We benefit from trade, from the sharing of ideas, and the mutual respect we share. In the eyes of many we are both stronger for it.
"To that end, and because I see the porter with the dinner bell about to draw our conversation to an end, I invite you to Dominia. If you accept you can travel with us on the morning tide, and on to our eastern adventure, where I will personally vouch for your safety. Once complete, you can come with us to our island home, and see first-hand the wealth of culture, wisdom, and history that is ours to share. So, what say you, will you accept this invitation to accompany me?" The gathered crowd is quite engaged by his passionate description of their home, and wait with vicariously baited breath for Tilly's response.
In surprise, Antillia's hand touches to her lips. "Oh, that's a wonderful offer. And were I not so involved in my work here, I would be sorely tempted to accept, Pontifex. I am deeply honored and I would LOVE to take you up on that some other time. If the offer should still stand once my work here in Kessid is done." She bows her head deeply to show that she IS truly honored by his request. "I could not abandon my work with the poor and suffering, there's still much good to accomplish."
Her green eyes sparkle as she looks up. "But you've given me the best assessment of Kessid I've ever heard. And perhaps hit on why someone like me *also* would come here."
Mentally Tilly adds, "Oh my, Reggie would be beside himself if I went to Dominia!"
The Pontifex, also clearly enjoying this conversational game, responds, "I feared that would be your answer, and despite my sadness that you will not accompany me, I respect you all the more for your commitment. Let me give you something..." He reaches into a fold of his robes, and brings out a small silver coin, stamped on both sides, and with a hole in its center.
"This is a coin of my realm, and of a mint that belongs to my family. Do you see this symbol here, below the eagle's talons?" leaning over towards you. Once you acknowledge him, he moves back away from you, and clasps the coin tightly between his palms, and begins to speak softly in another tongue. It is a strange language, but pleasing. His hands glow orange, briefly, which then fades.
"Take this, Lady Antilla Geoffrey of Karandia. With this coin in-hand, you may ask anyone wearing Dominian colors to protect you and bring you to me, and they will do their best to comply." The dinner bell rings gently in the hallway. "I expect to return to Kessid for the Darkest Day Feast, unless I am otherwise detained. If you are able, meet me here at the Guild and I will ask again if you wish to visit my home."
"I shall look forward to that day then, Pontifex Memmius of Dominia," the blonde replies formally as she bows deeply from the waist. "Would you do me the small honor of escorting me to the dinner table, until then?" She smiles her bright smile as she tucks the coin safely away into her belt purse.
"Why of course I shall." offering his arm. In a very quite voice, only for you, "I am afraid, however, that I am seated at the head table and would create quite a stir if I asked the Grand Wizard's wife to vacate her seat for what would certainly be better company. I apologize, but sometimes my rank is as much a locked door as it is a key."
Oh yes, she nods sympathetically in agreement. She's been THERE before too. "I would never dream of that, sir. Especially since we're both guests. It's been a pleasure to chat with you. And I look forward to seeing the beauty of Dominia for myself someday."
As she is escorted to her own chair, respectfully housed as guest in her own right but not as high on the table as his, Tilly makes a formal curtsey before seating herself. What an interesting day! And so much more fun than formal dinners at home with Auntie. Much more fun.
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